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What Is It? |
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Planet
Jr. No. 2 Edger |
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This lawn edger features a sharp rolling wheel (similar to a
pizza cutter), which slices through sod and soil to create lines
of demarcation between lawn and laneway. S.L. Allen Co., manufacturer
of Planet Jr. farm and garden implements, produced the edger.
The date of manufacture is unknown. |
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| Samuel
Leeds Allen (1841-1918) of Cinnaminson, New Jersey,
established the S.L. Allen Co. in 1860. Born to
a prominent Quaker family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
he patented numerous agricultural tools, including
a potato digger, a seed drill, a fertilizer distributor,
an animal trap and numerous cultivators. |
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he was a prolific inventor of agricultural tools
and implements, Allen's most recognizable invention
was a twin-runner snow sled that could be controlled
by steering. Called the "Flexible Flyer",
it was patented in the United States in 1889. Although
it took some time to catch on, the sled eventually
sold well and its logo (an eagle and a red arrow)
became a famous trademark. More important for Allen,
who was allegedly renowned for being a pioneer employer,
production of the sled provided work for his skilled
employees during the winter months. |
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Other Articles from this Issue |
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